Both roasting and grilling are the most primitive methods of cooking, with cavemen cooking over an open flame. Yet, over the years, these techniques have been perfected and today offer some of the most delicious recipes to give our tastebuds a real treat.
Although roasting and grilling are often used interchangeably in our general culinary vocabulary, there are some subtle differences, which are responsible for creating distinct tastes and texture of the food being cooked. So, here’s a quick guide to understanding the difference between roasting and grilling and which is better.
What is Roasting?
Roasting involves cooked over an open flame, such that the fire reaches the entire surface of the food. With the evolution of ovens, the definition of roasting has broadened. Now roasting can be done by cooking food in an insulated container set at a definite temperature, which typically ranges from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The insulated container allows even heating.
When roasting meats in this way, especially chicken, it is a good idea to first dry out the bird from the inside and outside, as moisture can lead to steaming, making it less crispy and a lot tougher, says a blog published by La Rosa Chicken and Grill.
What is Grilling?
Grilling involves direct heating of the food in an open environment. It uses high temperatures for cooking and often involves burning coal or wood. This infuses the food with the juicy flavors of the marination. Grilling needs a bit of attention, as the high temperature can burn the food fast. The grilling temperature is usually over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Difference Between Roasting and Grilling
Here’s a look at some of the main differences between the two cooking processes:
Grilling involves direct heating of the food on a metal grill in the presence of burning coal or wood. Roasting is an indirect heating process, done in an oven.
- While grilling is most appropriate for cooking thin pieces of food, such as corn, hot dogs, and sweet potatoes, roasting is ideal for cooking large pieces of food, such as lamb’s leg, chicken, and vegetables.
- As grilling uses high temperatures, it requires less time. Roasting, on the other hand, is a slow heating process and needs much more time.
- Grilling renders a very crispy, golden brown and charred texture to the food, while roasting keeps the food more tender and succulent, says a blog post by Jessica Gavin.
Which Method to Choose?
Choosing between roasting and grilling is difficult, as they both are healthy options compared to other cooking techniques. They both melt the fats present in meats and retain the natural nutrients in vegetables, says an article by Tractor Supply.
Between the two, grilling is usually considered a healthier technique, as the fats drip out of the food during the cooking process.
What’s most important is the marination you’ve used. Try a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, parsley, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper if you’re grilling chicken at home. You can also substitute vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon juice, and add a pinch of sugar to make the surface tastier and visually more appealing.
